For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority Frequently Asked Questions

What is Operating Authority?

For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority is an insurance monitoring program for carriers who operate for-hire in
Virginia. Some carriers may be required to demonstrate that there is a public need for the operation, and/or
demonstrate their fitness to perform the operation depending on the operating authority required.

What is a Form E and a Form H and where can they be obtained?

A Form E is proof of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Form H is proof of cargo insurance.
Both are filed with DMV by a motor carrier's insurance company.

What do I need to do to operate a limousine and/or executive sedan for compensation within
Virginia?

You must obtain a Contract Passenger Carrier operating authority certificate. To obtain the authority, you must
submit an Operating Authority Certificate or License Application (form OA-150) with
all of the required documentation.

How long does it take to obtain the different types of intrastate operating authority?

Factors that may delay processing time are usually current application backlog and incomplete applications.
You can do your part to insure timely processing by reading and following the instructions available for the
various operating authority applications, completing all applicable parts of the application, and submitting all
documents required.

Transportation of Passengers Broker

Transportation of Property Broker

Common Carrier - Irregular Routes

Common Carrier - Regular Routes

Contract Passenger Carrier

Sight Seeing

Household Goods Carrier

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Carrier

If you apply for any other type of operating authority and you already have proof
of insurance on file with DMV's Motor
Carrier Services, the authority will usually be issued the same day that you apply.

Bulk Property Carrier

Employee Hauler Carrier

Non-Profit/Tax-Exempt Passenger Carrier

Property Carrier

Taxicab

Who needs intrastate operating authority?

Any person who wishes to transport passengers or property for-hire from point to point in Virginia needs to obtain
Virginia operating authority, unless the person will be
conducting exempt operations.

If I am leasing a vehicle to a motor carrier, who must obtain the operating authority?

The motor carrier must apply for and obtain the operating authority. The motor carrier is the person or company
who has operational control of the vehicle including, but not limited to, insuring the vehicle, contracting, and
advertising services performed with the vehicle. Registration for leased vehicles which must display for-hire
license plates can only be obtained through the Motor Carrier Services department at DMV Headquarters.

Why must I notify DMV's Motor Carrier Services when I sell a vehicle that is used in my
operation?

It is important to have the vehicle removed from your account so that your insurance company will be given a
correct count of your operating authority vehicles. The vehicle can not be removed from your operating authority
account until you: 1) IRP VEHICLES - surrender the vehicle registration receipt
(cab card) OR 2) NON-IRP VEHICLES - surrender your for-hire license plates and vehicle registration.

No, DMV Customer Service Centers can only assist you with operating authority types which require a permit.
Operating authority types requiring a certificate must be processed in the Motor Carrier Services department
of DMV Headquarters. Applications for certificates cannot be faxed to the Motor Carrier Services department.
Only original certificate applications submitted with the required surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit are
accepted for processing. Types of operating authority requiring a permit are:

Bulk Property Carrier

Employee Hauler

Non-profit/Tax-Exempt Passenger Carrier

Property Carrier

Taxicab

Types of operating authority requiring a certificate are:

Transportation of Passengers Broker

Transportation of Property Broker

Common Carrier - Irregular Routes

Common Carrier - Regular Routes

Contract Passenger Carrier

Non-emergency Medical Transportation Carrier

Sight Seeing Carrier

Household Goods Carrier

If I want to operate for-hire within Virginia and the vehicle is registered in another state, do I have to
have Virginia operating authority?

Yes. You must comply with all of Virginia's for-hire operating authority requirements.

What is required to operate under Medicaid reimbursement?

This program is managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). Please contact DMAS for
information.

Do I need operating authority from the Virginia DMV to operate as a local household goods mover?

Yes. If you do not transport household goods for more than 30 miles from where the move started, you must
obtain Property Carrier authority.
If you transport household goods further than 30 miles from where the move started, you must
obtain Household Goods Carrier
authority. The property carrier authority for moves of 30 miles or less is not required if you have household
goods authority and you only transport household goods.

Is the Notary Public required to place their seal on the Information Release Authorization in my
application for a certificate/license?

The seal is not required if the Notary Public was commissioned by a Virginia jurisdiction. The seal is required
if the Notary Public was commissioned by a jurisdiction outside Virginia.